As a full-service moving company serving Central Florida, we at 1776 Moving & Storage have helped countless families relocate to the vibrant city of Orlando and its surrounding areas. If you’re planning a move to the Sunshine State, you might be wondering: which are the best neighborhoods in Orlando to call home?

Orlando is experiencing remarkable growth, making it an increasingly attractive destination. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, Orlando’s population expanded by 2.7% in 2024, making it the fastest-growing large metropolitan area in the United States, with approximately 1,500 new residents arriving each week. The region’s population has now reached 2.9 million, propelling Orlando to become the 20th most populous region in the country.

With this influx of new residents comes a thriving real estate market. As of early 2025, the median home price in Orlando stands at approximately $400,000, reflecting a steady increase over previous years, though still more affordable than many other major metropolitan areas.

We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the nicest neighborhoods in Orlando to help you find your perfect match in this diverse and exciting region.

Downtown Orlando

At the epicenter of the city lies Downtown Orlando, known for its energetic atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and entertainment options. With numerous dining choices and endless shopping opportunities, this area offers the perfect urban living experience.

Downtown Orlando features a variety of housing options including high-rise condos, apartment buildings, and bungalow-style family homes scattered throughout the area. The urban core has seen significant development in recent years, with new residential towers and mixed-use properties enhancing the skyline. While housing prices tend to be higher than the Orlando average, with condos typically starting around $300,000 and luxury units exceeding $1 million, the convenience of city living makes it worthwhile for many residents.

For families considering Downtown Orlando, there are several quality educational options nearby, including the A-rated Hillcrest Elementary School. If you’re looking to add some excitement to your lifestyle and enjoy easy access to cultural attractions, Downtown Orlando might be the perfect fit for you.

Windermere

Located approximately 15 miles southwest of Downtown Orlando, Windermere is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Orlando and one of the smallest towns in Florida. Home to about 4,000 residents, this charming community is situated on the Butler Chain of Lakes, making it popular for water sports enthusiasts who enjoy water skiing, boating, and fishing.

Many residents say that living in Windermere makes it easy to feel like you’re on vacation while in the comfort of your own home—and what could be better than that when living in the Sunshine State?

Winter Park

With a population of just under 30,000 people and less than seven miles from Downtown Orlando, Winter Park offers residents the best of both worlds with its unique urban-southern mix feel. This charming community is consistently ranked among the most desirable neighborhoods in Central Florida, known for its brick-lined streets, canopy of oak trees, and cultural sophistication.

Winter Park is home to some of Orlando’s highest-rated schools, including Winter Park High School, which boasts strong academic programs, athletics, and arts. The area’s educational excellence extends to private institutions like Trinity Preparatory School and The Geneva School, making it particularly attractive for families prioritizing education.

The neighborhood’s housing market reflects its desirability, with median home prices around $550,000, significantly higher than the Orlando average. Historic homes in Winter Park can command premium prices, often exceeding $1 million, especially those near the chain of lakes or Park Avenue.

Current residents describe it as a great place to start a family, with plenty of leisure outdoor activities, parks, lakes, restaurants, coffee shops, and beautiful golf courses. The area also hosts various cultural events throughout the year, including the renowned Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, which attracts over 350,000 visitors annually.

Winter Park truly has something for everyone, making it one of the best Orlando neighborhoods for those seeking a balance between urban amenities and suburban comfort.

Winter Garden

Winter Garden tops the list of best neighborhoods in Orlando for families. Located only 14 miles west of Downtown Orlando, this family-friendly city of around 45,000 residents has undergone a remarkable renaissance in the past decade, transforming from a quiet citrus town into one of Central Florida’s most sought-after communities.

Education is a major draw for families moving to Winter Garden, with excellent A-rated schools throughout the area. The Orange County Public School District serves Winter Garden with highly-rated institutions such as Sunset Park Elementary, Horizon West Middle School, and Windermere High School. In fact, in rankings for the 2024-2025 school year, Winter Garden schools consistently earned top marks for academic performance and family satisfaction.

The real estate market in Winter Garden offers diverse housing options, from beautiful apartment complexes and luxury condos to gated communities and brand-new lots for custom home building. The median home price in Winter Garden is approximately $450,000, with new construction communities continuing to develop throughout the western portion of the area.

The heart of Winter Garden is its historic downtown district, which underwent an award-winning restoration project. The charming Plant Street features locally-owned shops, restaurants, and the Garden Theatre, which hosts live performances year-round. The city boasts many outdoor attractions, including the popular 22-mile West Orange Trail for cycling enthusiasts and Lake Apopka for fishing adventures.

If you’re looking for a family-oriented community with excellent schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community, Winter Garden should be at the top of your list.

Baldwin Park

For those seeking something downtown-adjacent but more spacious and new, Baldwin Park is an excellent choice. This well-developed community is known for its quality, size, and stylish homes. Housing options range from rental apartments and townhouses to cottages and beautiful single-family homes.

Baldwin Park features a variety of excellent restaurants, shops, and amenities, with most homes within easy walking distance of stores, offices, and restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to many outdoor attractions, including a 23-acre dog-friendly park perfect for pet owners.

Lake Nona

Located just 25 minutes from Orlando and minutes from the airport, Lake Nona is ideal for anyone who wants convenient access to everything. This master-planned community has become one of the fastest-growing areas in Central Florida, experiencing rapid expansion with innovative developments and technological integration.

Lake Nona is known for its “Medical City,” a 650-acre health and life sciences park that hosts the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Nemours Children’s Hospital, and the VA Medical Center, making it a hub for healthcare professionals. The area offers excellent educational opportunities, with Lake Nona High School consistently ranked among the top public schools in Orange County.

Housing in Lake Nona tends to be newer and more technology-focused, with prices ranging from the mid-$300,000s for townhomes to over $1 million for luxury estates. Many communities here feature smart-home technology, fiber internet, and sustainable design elements. The area offers a wide range of restaurant options, bars, outdoor activities, and great shopping, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for those who value convenience, modern amenities, and a forward-thinking community.

Lake Mary

Lake Mary is known for its well-planned residential communities, great educational programs, high-tech businesses, outstanding restaurants, and various shopping options. This beautiful city offers diverse housing choices, from affordable trendy apartments and luxury townhomes to numerous rental properties.

If you’re looking for a well-established community with excellent planning and amenities, Lake Mary ranks among the best neighborhoods in Orlando to consider.

Maitland

Just eight miles from Downtown Orlando, Maitland is a quiet, family-friendly suburb offering apartments, lake homes, condos, and single-family homes. All properties are positioned for easy access to Central Florida’s attractions, and almost all are located in top educational districts, making it a wonderful place to raise a family.

For those prioritizing education and a peaceful suburban lifestyle, Maitland is certainly one of the nicest neighborhoods in Orlando.

Dr. Phillips

Named one of the best places to live in all of Florida by Time Money Magazine (and the only Florida city to make the list), Dr. Phillips is home to approximately 12,600 residents. Most people own their homes here and enjoy the dense suburban feel, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando for those seeking an established, upscale community.

Celebration

Last but certainly not least is Celebration, a community designed by Walt Disney Company located right next door to all the popular theme parks. Known for its walkable neighborhoods, parks, convenient shopping, and traditional home designs, Celebration offers a strong presence of homes, townhomes, and beautiful apartment complexes featuring colonial, Mediterranean, and Victorian influences.

The whole area comes together in unity, and the best part? You live right next door to Mickey Mouse!

Finding Your Perfect Orlando Neighborhood

As you can see, Orlando and nearby Central Florida neighborhoods offer something for everybody. Each community has its own unique character and charm, so determining the best neighborhood in Orlando for you depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

Why Choose 1776 Moving & Storage for Your Orlando Move

When it comes to relocating to any of these fantastic neighborhoods, you need experienced Orlando movers who understand the area and can make your transition stress-free. As trusted Orlando movers with years of experience serving the Central Florida region, we offer:

  • Local expertise in all the best neighborhoods in Orlando
  • Customized moving plans tailored to your specific needs
  • Full-service packing, moving, and storage solutions
  • Knowledge of the unique challenges of moving to different Orlando communities
  • Experienced crews familiar with high-rise buildings, gated communities, and HOA restrictions

Recent migration patterns show that approximately 38% of current Orlando homebuyers are searching to move elsewhere within the metropolitan area, indicating a strong local moving market. With nearly 1,500 new residents arriving in Orlando weekly, the demand for professional moving services continues to rise.

At 1776 Moving & Storage, our team of professionals would love to help you discover which Orlando neighborhood is best for you and make your relocation as smooth as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive moving services in Central Florida!